Dear Friends,

 

This has been a strange spring. There are so many ways we are trying to make adjustments to our lives, our worship, and to our work together. I am asking you to read this message from our Presiding Bishop of the ELCA. This is what our church stands for in times like these. Thank you for your kindness, generosity and care as we go forward. None of us knows what the days will bring,  Be at peace and know that Christ is with us! Pr. Wendy

 

 

Dear partner in ministry,

 

Weeks may have passed since you last walked in the doors of your congregation and worshiped, face-to-face, with your community of faith. To be sure, being the body of Christ looks and feels differently than it ever has before. 

 

Despite all of this, we are called to be church — together. The ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) looks different now, but it has not stopped. Nor have the needs of our communities and the world. Our church and its leaders continue to minister to its members, to those who are hurting and searching for peace, and to those in need. 

 

The congregations and ministries of this church rely on your weekly offerings and gifts. Without in-person worship services for many weeks or even months, the financial impact could be devastating. 

 

Please continue to give to your congregation and give regularly. Your congregation and its leaders continue to minister to your community of faith. This ministry relies on your weekly offerings. Find out how you can continue your pledge or regular offering though online giving, automatic monthly giving or mail. 

 

I know that, for many of us, this is a time of uncertainty and financial hardship. However, for those of you who are in a position to do more, the needs are great. 

 

In the United States, unemployment has soared. We are already seeing rising demands on our food pantries, homeless shelters and social services. Around the world, millions of people living in poverty are facing this pandemic without reliable access to sanitation and health care. 

 

With congregations and ministries across the country, and a network of companion churches and partners in over 70 countries around the world, we anticipate this crisis will affect us all. Your gifts to the ELCA’s COVID-19 Response Fund will provide funds to the ministries of the ELCA most in need and best positioned to help. This includes our congregations as well as local and churchwide ministries capable of reaching and assisting those in need. If you are able, please help with a gift today. 

 

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I have been reflecting on the words of Peter: “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received” (1 Peter 4:10). Now is a time when we need one another. Now is a time to live and act as faithful people of God. 

 

Be of good courage, dear church, and remember that Christ is with us now and always.

 

In Christ, 

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The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton 

Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

 

 

 

 

April 2020

The Lord is near to the  broken-hearted,

   and saves the crushed in spirit. 

 

Psalm 134:18

 

 

I write these words because they bring me comfort.  Our churches have been closed, our nursing homes, small businesses. The Coronovirus isn’t just any old flu.  So for awhile we’re all on lockdown and our buildings sit empty.

 

I’m guessing many of us feel crushed in spirit maybe even broken hearted. We worry about our finances depending how long this goes. I worry about my sons and one of them is already done with his work until this passes because of where he works.

 

But this verse brings me comfort. The Lord is near.  That’s the beauty of our Bible. With all of the wars and stoning and the crucifixion, the overwhelming  factor in all of this is Easter.  I assure you Easter will come and we will celebrate whether it’s on the right date or not!

 

Jesus never lets go of us. The Father is always near. The Spirit comes to us and reminds us that we are loved. But I also believe we have to do our part to our fellow beings. Please be safe, wash your hands and keep distance.

 

I would like to remind people that just because we’re closed part of the pain for us in the church is that the bills keep coming. So I have to say please don’t forget your church. I know these are hard times, it’s still necessary to do what we can do together. There are others who need to know that the Lord is near. Call friends and family, use the LaCrosse Area Synod to find easy access to On-Line/Radio Worship, Prayer, Study Opportunities

La Crosse Area Synod.

 

And thank your your prayers in all this pandemic and what it brings. Just remember:Psalm 134:18 “The Lord is near!”

 

Pastor Wendy